Human Relations Commission unveils Swarthmore 250 time capsule; public invited to submit items by July 4

The council heard an expanded briefing on a Human Relations Commission project to create a Swarthmore 250 time capsule. Virginia explained the HRC plans to store the capsule in the library and open it in 25 years rather than 100 because the borough lacks climate-controlled archival space needed for longer preservation.

HRC organizers have placed a collection box in the library and are soliciting items and written postcards about what residents value and what they hope the town will become in 25 years. Virginia said outreach has gone to merchants, faith-based organizations, scouts, the college, the library and other local groups; the HRC will also staff tables at upcoming community events including an ice-cream social and the July 4 parade to collect submissions. "The time capsule will feature the people and places and organizations that make Swarthmore vibrant," she said.

Staff discussed possibilities for digitization and archival partnerships with the college and noted an archival box has already been ordered and the county GIS office is printing a borough map to include. The HRC also encouraged residents with archival experience to volunteer; one vacancy on the commission remains open. The submission deadline for items is July 4.